Amada Baldovinos 
EDINBURG- Hiren Govind, a hotel owner in the Rio Grande Valley, is providing free housing for families who have lost their homes to fires and natural disasters.
Govind was born and raised in Beeville, Texas, and joined the hotel industry at a very young age. With the help of his family members, his parents were able to manage the “Buenas Noches Motel” in George West, Texas.
“We literally did everything, we had no other employees, we cleaned the rooms, we did laundry, we checked in guests, and for the kids, we had a little step stool we’d get up and put the registration card down, no computers back then so we did everything by hand,” said Govind.
Govind decided to open his own hotel the “Townsplace Suites by Marriot”, after graduating from college with an architecture degree.
With his hotel, he has been able to provide free housing to hundreds of families and made the process of hospitality less stressful for the guest.
“One of the fire marshals says, ‘Hey we had a family who lost their home, and they need a place to stay,” said Govin “So, I usually tell them to give me about five to ten minutes, I’ll call the properties wherever we have a room available. We call the chief back and tell them just come over and we let them check-in.”
Once the families are checked in, the American Red Cross and other charity organizations are contacted to help donate to those that have been affected.
“Giving back to the community is something that my dad instilled values in us, and I absolutely love it, what’s better than helping your own citizens and you know we take care of our own,” Govind added.
Govind hopes the community will get inspired to help and give back to those in need.
